Last season when the Carolina Panthers squared off against the Seattle Seahawks, then rookie Russell Wilson was an unknown. Now, a year later, NFL Defensive Coordinators have an entire season's worth of game tape to study. This often times will be the biggest factor in the dreaded "sophomore slump".

How will the Panthers defensive staff contain Russell Wilson?

Russell Wilson - Seahawks QB

The first thing you need to understand about Russell Wilson is that he is a game manager. This means he is not expected by his coaching staff to carry the load himself. Wilson threw the fewest passes of any starting QB in 2012 despite the Seahawks having the 5th ranked Time of Possession.The Seahawks rely on a strong running game and stout defense, a recipe that has always had success in the NFL.

While Wilson does have mobility and can gain yards on the ground, he really is not a running quarterback. At a height of 5'11, Russell uses his feet well in the pocket to find passing lanes. He is elusive enough to buy time and has the poise not to be easily flustered. Make no mistake, he is an impressive young QB.

Here are three things you will see on Sunday to contain Russell Wilson

1. On passing downs, a base 4 linemen will add pressure. I don't expect an increased number of blitzes against Seattle. The Panthers have the luxury of a front defensive four that can apply pressure on their own. Hardy, Lotulelei, and Johnson all require double teams at times. There just are not enough offensive lineman to compensate. This will force Seattle to keep a tight end or a running back in protection and free up a Panthers linebacker to help contain Wilson should he decide to run.

2. Go for interceptions. Last season WIlson gave up 6 points on a poor throw, and history could very well repeat itself. Look for preseason defensive MVP (I am still not sure what that means) Josh Norman to play very aggressively and jump routes. Norman got into more than one scuffle against the Seahawks last season, chances are he will again. Good times.

3. Keep him off the field. Last season during Chudzinski's horrible offensive experiments, the Panthers never found a rhythm. This year, Panthers new OC Mike Shula must be able to run the football and get first downs. Touchdowns would be nice, but at the very least string together consistent drives of 12 plays or more. I have low expectations of Shula, hopefully after this weekend I will have loftier goals.

Stop the run and contain their passing attack.With two presumably good defenses field position and turnovers will dictate the winner.With that said Cam must chose his targets wisely and run like hell when given the opportunity.Nothing will come easily. Let hope the 12th man will be present for our home opener.

We'll be able to get pressure with just the DL, allowing the LB's to keep Russell limited in his gains when he is flushed out of the pocket over and over and over again.

The biggest thing is the addition of Star, with him anchoring the middle Wilson will be forced to roll out toward the sidelines where Beason and TD roam.

Our DL is also good at batting passes and given his lack of height, that could be a big thing this game.

I'm afraid our offensive line may be the deciding factor. If we manage to only score one TD, unless the defense plays amazing and we have field position most of the game. It's going to be tough but this is where Shula shows his ability to gameplan and Cam shows if he's created new habits and things to watch for before the game. He will need to know what the defense likes to do when things break down.

Let's see, there is Fua, Nakamura, Kearse, and a raw, rookie from Coastal Carolina who struggles in the tackling dept. I now understand why Lynch is still on his feet with so many opposite-colored jerseys draped all over him. He hit us at our weakest point--1/3 of the defense.

If any team can limit Seattle, it's Rivera's defensive concepts. They showed last year that if they maintain their gap responsibilities and stay on their feet against the zone blocking, one cut running game they can hold the Seahawk's to under 20 points. With what should be a much better pass rush up the middle, the DEs need to make sure that they contain Wilson inside the pocket and make him throw rather than run. The LBs will be key to stopping critical 3rd downs, whether runs or passes. While the secondary will probably play mostly zone, they must limit the YAC and not give up the big play.

I believe that if they can play within themselves, we can contain Seattle. Last week against Pittsburgh, they came out too aggressive and were burned by misdirection, reverses and screens on the first series.